Sprinkler system with relief and backflow preventer valve

ABSTRACT

This above ground sprinkler system for a water supply provides a main supply hose having an inlet connected to the water supply and an outlet. A main valve is disposed between bib end of the hose and the water supply. A central station including a water supply inlet is connected to the main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hose outlets, each having an associated flow control valve, supplies water to sprinklers, or similar devices at the outer end of hoses which are connected at their inner ends to the outlets. A control system for directing the water supply to the individual hose outlets is provided including a timer. A relief valve is provided for draining water from the main supply hose and a backflow preventor valve is provided for preventing back-siphonage into the water supply.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to sprinkler systems andparticularly to portable, above ground sprinkler systems for lawns andgardens having a main line from the water supply to the sprinkler systemand a valve system for draining the main line and for preventingbackflow siphonage into the water supply.

[0002] Sprinkler systems used for lawns and gardens are well-known andmay be divided generally into above ground systems and below groundsystems.

[0003] Above ground systems are exemplified by the system sold under thetrademark WaterMonster by the company of the same name located atLancaster, Ga. Such systems include a central unit having an inletconnected to a domestic water supply and several outlet valves eachhaving a connection for one end of a conventional garden hose, the otherend of each hose being connectible to a watering attachment. The valvesare controlled by a timer so that they operate consecutively at selectedtime periods. Known above ground systems do not provide back-siphonageprotection of supply hose drainage.

[0004] Below ground systems are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,403.This patent discloses a system having a plurality of sprinkler headsmounted in series and connected to a common water supply for consecutiveoperation by a timer. The sprinkler heads are of the pop-up type whichhave the advantage of being below grade when not in use whichfacilitates lawn mowing but below ground system lack the versatility ofthe above ground systems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,403, which is incorporatedherein by reference, discloses the use of backflow preventer and eachsprinkler is provided with a self-contained timer system. Below groundsystems are much more elaborate than above ground systems andaccordingly are much more expensive with respect to the cost ofcomponents and require professional installation.

[0005] This sprinkler system overcomes the above disadvantages in amanner not revealed in the known prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This sprinkler system is a portable above ground system whichprovides controlled sprinkling for prescribed periods of time startingat preselected times. The system includes a relief valve whichautomatically opens when the watering operation is completed to drainwater from the main supply line so that the main line supply hose issubstantially free from pressure after the watering is complete. Thesystem also includes a backflow prevention valve to guard againstreverse flow into the water supply.

[0007] This above ground sprinkler system for a water supply provides amain supply hose with a main flow control valve, said hose having aninlet operatively connected to the water supply and an outlet. A centralstation is provided including a water supply inlet; operativelyconnected to the main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hoseoutlets, each having an associated flow control valve. A control systemfor directing the water supply to the individual hose outlets isprovided including a timer. A relief valve is provided for draining themain supply hose.

[0008] It is an aspect of this invention that a backflow preventionvalve is provided for preventing backflow siphonage into the watersupply.

[0009] It is an aspect of this invention to provide that the centralstation includes a portable container housing for the flow controlvalves.

[0010] It is another aspect of this invention to provide that the flowcontrol valves are normally closed, solenoid-operated valves; and therelief valve is a normally open solenoid-operated valve.

[0011] It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a 24 voltpower supply for the solenoid-operated valves.

[0012] It is still another aspect of this invention to provide thatsupplying power to any of the normal closed valves energizes thenormally open valve.

[0013] It is an aspect of this invention to provide that the timer isremotely located from the central location and, as an alternative toprovide that the timer is housed in the portable container.

[0014] It is another aspect of this invention to provide that thecentral station includes a cover simulating a natural object.

[0015] It is another aspect of this invention to provide that the mainflow control valve is normally closed and at least one flow controlvalve in the central station is normally open to perform the function ofthe relief valve.

[0016] It is still another aspect of this invention to provide that themain flow control valve is normally closed and all other flow controlvalves and the relief valve are normally open.

[0017] It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide that themain flow control valve and the relief valve are energizedsimultaneously while the central station flow control valves areenergized sequentially for normal demand watering, as controlled by thetimer and all solenoid-operated valves are de-energized when watering isnot required, as controlled by the timer.

[0018] It is still another aspect of this invention to provide that allsolenoid-operated valves are energized except one of the central stationflow control valves, which is sequentially de-energized for demandwatering, as controlled by the timer and all solenoid-operated valvesare de-energized when watering is not required, as controlled by thetimer.

[0019] It is another aspect of this invention to provide that eachsolenoid-operated valve includes a plunger; and the plunger positioningof the normally closed and normally open valves is arranged to insurethat the main supply hose is pressure relieved and evacuated to preventback-siphonage in the event of power failure occur during systemoperation.

[0020] This sprinkler system is relatively simple to manufacture and useand is particularly efficient in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a simplified arrangement of sprinkler systemcomponents;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the electro-hydraulic circuitry;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a typical sprinkler system having foursprinkler outlets in parallel;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a more detailed view of the central station andillustrates a specific arrangement;

[0025]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a typical timer;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a schematic of a normally closed solenoid-operatedvalve;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a schematic of a normally open solenoid-operated valve;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view through a backflow preventervalve;

[0029]FIG. 9 shows a modified arrangement of sprinkler systemsolenoid-operated valves;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 9 of another modifiedarrangement of the solenoid-operated valves; and

[0031]FIG. 11 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the centralstation concealed by a cover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] Referring now by reference numerals to the drawings and FIGS.1-5, in particular, it will be understood that the above groundsprinkler system generally indicated by numeral 10 includes a portablecentral station 12 supplied with water from a domestic water supplylocated in a building such as a house 100 and having at least one outletor bib 16 in a wall 18.

[0033] The central station 12, in the embodiment shown, includes amanifold 20 mounted within a portable container 22 and having fouroutlets 24, 26, 28 and 30 each having an associated solenoid-operatedcentral station flow control valve 25, 27, 29 and 31, respectively,which is normally closed when no power is supplied. Water is supplied tothe manifold 20 through an inlet 34 connected by a flexible hose 40 tothe bib 16, the hose 40 providing a main supply line.

[0034] In the arrangement shown, the flexible hose 40 includes anormally closed main solenoid-operated valve 42 at the bib end and anormally open solenoid-operated relief valve 44 at the manifold end.Preferably, a backflow preventer valve 46 is provided at the bib enddownstream of the solenoid-operated valve 42 which may be connecteddirectly to the valve 42 outlet.

[0035] The solenoid-operated valves are controlled by a control system,which includes a timer 50 supplied with 24 v power which, in theembodiment shown, is supplied from a transformer 51 connected to aconventional 120 v outlet but which could also be supplied from abattery source (not shown) as a backup.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the timer 50 is arranged toactuate normally closed solenoid-operated valves 25, 27, 29 and 31 insequence so that water is supplied to the associated outlets 24, 26, 28and 30 at predetermined intervals for desired periods of time. When thisis done, water is supplied to each hose 1-4 and each related sprinklerhead S1-S4 at full pressure for a predetermined time period.

[0037] It will be understood that the timer 50 also controls the openingand closing of the solenoid-operated valves 42 and 44. These two valvesare actuated when any one of the valves 25, 27, 29 or 31 is actuated.Solenoid-operated valve 42 is normally closed and opens to admit waterinto the flexible hose 40 when the control system timer 50 suppliespower through line 52, which includes a common ground (not shown), goingto all valves, and includes lines 54-59 going to individual valves.Solenoid-operated valve 44 is normally open and closes when the timer 50supplies power through lines 52 and 55. When valve 44 is closed, waterflow via the manifold 20 is only passed through valves 25, 27, 29 or 31as sequenced.

[0038] In the embodiment described, the solenoid-operated valvesmanufactured by Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. of North Salt Lake, Utahunder the trademark WATERMASTER®) Series No. 57100, 57300 and 57400 hasproven satisfactory for valves 25, 27, 29, 31 or 42. Valve 44 is amodified version of the same valve.

[0039] The normally closed solenoid-operated valves exemplified by valve25, 27, 29 and 31 are shown in FIG. 6 and normally opensolenoid-operated valve 44 is shown in FIG. 7. The basic features ofboth valves are the same Each valve includes a body assembly 60 havingan inlet passage 62, an outlet passage 64 and a main flow passage havinga valve port 66. Also provided are a diaphragm assembly (not shown), anda solenoid assembly 80. In the case of the normally closed valve asolenoid plunger 82 is provided (FIG. 6) and in the case of the normallyopen valve a solenoid plunger 84 (FIG. 7) is provided.

[0040] Flow control is achieved by applying a voltage to the solenoidcoil thus creating a magnetic field that repositions the solenoid coilplunger. In FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be understood that the solenoid coilplunger either directly opens or closes the port. Alternatively, as wellunderstood by those skilled in the art, the plunger opens or closes apilot port (not shown). The opening or closing of a pilot port affects apressure balance on a diaphragm or piston that causes an opening orclosing of the main valve port.

[0041] A solenoid valve can be designed to allow flow when a voltage isapplied and to stop flow when voltage is removed. This is a normallyclosed valve design shown in FIG. 6. A solenoid valve can also bedesigned to allow flow when voltage is removed and to stop flow whenvoltage is applied. This is a normally open valve design. The solenoidcoil plunger and/or pilot port are located to achieve either a normallyclosed or normally open valve arrangement. The normally closed valve inFIG. 6 and the normally open valve in FIG. 7 are identical except thatthe solenoid coil plunger in FIG. 6 is positioned to the underside ofthe solenoid coil when a voltage is not applied and the solenoid coilplunger in FIG. 7 is positioned to the upper side of the solenoid coilwhen a voltage is not applied.

[0042] In the case of the normally closed valve shown in FIG. 6, theplunger is arranged so that energizing the coil will move the plungerup. A spring 86 may be used to maintain the plunger in the down positionwhen the coil is de-energized. In the case of the normally open valve,the plunger is located so that energizing the coil will move the plungerdown to close the valve. In this case, a spring 88 may be used tomaintain the plunger in up position when the coil is de-energized.

[0043] The backflow preventer valve 46 is used to prevent backflowsiphoning into the water supply and a backflow preventer which may beused in the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. A suitable backflowpreventer is manufactured by Watts Industries, Inc. of Andover, Mass.under Model No. 8. A backflow preventer of this type is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 3,171,423 which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the backflow preventer 46 includes threadedlyconnectible upper and lower body portions 120 and 122. The upper bodyportion 120 is threadedly connectible to the male outlet of thesolenoid-operated main valve 42 at its upper end and the lower bodyportion 122 is threadedly connectible to female inlet of hose 40. Theupper body portion 120 includes an annular abutment for receiving arubber hose washer 124. The lower body portion 122 includes a reduceddiameter nozzle portion 126 and an annular shoulder 128 having aplurality of circumferentially arranged evacuation openings 130.

[0045] A diaphragm assembly 132 is held between the upper and lower bodyportions 120 and 122. The diaphragm assembly 132 includes an upper metalwasher 134, having a plurality of openings 136 and a depressed centerportion 138, and a lower metal washer 140. Sandwiched between the twometal washers 134 and 140 are an upper flexible washer 142 and a lowerflexible washer 144 providing overlapping diaphragm portions. A springloaded central rod 145 carries the diaphragm assembly, the rod includinga shoulder 146 seating the diaphragm assembly 132 and a spring 148,which extends between the upper metal washer 134 and an upper coined endof the rod 145.

[0046] When flow is in the normal downward direction, the diaphragmassembly 132 moves downwardly and the upper washer 142 flexes to sealoff the openings 130. The spring around the rod compresses and the lowerwasher 142 separates from the upper washer 144 and a flow path iscreated through openings 136 in the upper metal washer and between thetwo flexible washers 142 and 144. The lower flexible washer wraps aroundthe lower metal washer 144 which increases the flow area.

[0047] When flow is cut off the diaphragm assembly 132 returns upwardlyunder spring pressure to the position shown in FIG. 8 and any watermoving in the opposite direction tends to increase the seal between theflexible washers. Upward flow is directed from an axial directionthrough 180° to the evacuation openings 130.

[0048] A sprinkler hose arrangement is shown in FIG. 3 in use with atypical dwelling house 100. However, it will be understood that thesystem can also be used in conjunction with commercial buildings ifdesired. As shown in FIG. 3, hoses 1, 2, 3 and 4 are connected,respectively, to each of the four outlets 24, 26, 28 and 30 of thecentral station 12 which is connected to the bib 16 of the house watersupply by main supply hose 40. The output from the central station 12 iscontrolled by the timer 50, which preferably is located inside the house100. Each hose 1, 2, 3 and 4 may be provided at its end with a sprinklerhead S1, S2, S3 and S4, respectively. The sprinkler heads, or hose endsprinklers, may be varied to suit the requirements of the user. Forexample, they may include an impact sprinkler; an oscillating sprinkler;a stationary sprinkler or a rotary sprinkler, all of which are familiarto gardeners. In addition, and by way of example, a drip hose assembly 1a may be tee-connected to hose 1 and a soaker hose assembly 2 a may betee-connected to hose 2.

[0049]FIG. 4 shows the carrying case 22 in use in the closed, uprightposition, in which it is supported by a stake 23 and, by way of hoses 1and 2, is used to provide drip hose watering through drip hose 200 andsoaker hose watering through soaker hose 202 in addition to sprinklingheads S1 and S2. Straight couplings, tee couplings and end caps may beprovided as required.

[0050] It is desirable in some instances to conceal the central stationcontainer 12 under a cover which simulates a natural object such as arock. FIG. 11 illustrates a hollow plastic cover 15 for the container 12shown in a horizontal condition and having openings 17 to receive thehoses 14. It will be understood that the container can be dispensed withif desired and the manifold 20 be concealed by the cover 15.

[0051] The timer 50 is shown in FIG. 5 and the normally opensolenoid-operated valves 25, 27, 29, 31 and 42 are shown in FIG. 6.Normally closed solenoid-operated valve 44 is shown in FIG. 7. The timer50, as shown in FIG. 1, is located in a remotely located central station12, for example in the basement of a house, but it could also be locatedin the case 22.

[0052] In the embodiment described, a timer 50 of the type supplied byOrbit Sprinkler Company of Bountiful, Utah under the trademarkWATERMASTER® Series 57160, 57161, 57162, 57164, 57481 and WT2D hasproven satisfactory.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, this timer 50 includes a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) 100 that shows the time of day and various programsettings associated with watering programs executed by the timer. Sixpush button keys 101-106 allow for user setup and entry of variousparameters associated with each program. A dial-type rotary selector 108allows the user to select various functions and/or modes of operationassociated with the timer. Based upon the positioning of the rotaryselector 108 and data input by the user via the push button keys 101-106and shown on the display 100, the user can set the time of day, thedate, watering time duration, days on which watering is desired, starttimes and other functions. A reset button 110 is provided to clear alluser-programmed parameters and reinstate default parameters associatedwith a factory-installed fail-safe program.

[0054] The timer 50 runs one or more watering programs based upon thespecific watering needs and preferences of the user. In the preferredembodiment, the timer 50 includes a factory installed fail-safe programand two user-defined programs (program A and program B discussed below).The factory installed fail-safe program waters every station in sequenceevery day for 10 minutes in the preferred embodiment. This program runsautomatically if the timer 50 loses AC power by way of battery backuppower. The timer also allows for convenient and flexible wateringschedules based upon user-defined programs. These user-defined wateringprograms allow for selective control of water dispersion from the waterstations based upon the watering requirements for each station. Forexample, the timer allows for watering of each station for apredetermined time duration ranging from one (1) minute to ninety-nine(99) minutes. The timer also can be set to cycle each watering programup to four times per day. The timer provides for multiple scheduleoptions, namely, weekly, every day, 1 to 28 days, and an option for oddand even days.

[0055] More specifically, the timer 50 of the preferred embodimentincludes two user-defined programs, namely, program A and program B.Depending upon particular watering needs, the user can employ either orboth programs A and B. In both programs A and B, the user inputs awatering schedule by setting the following parameters: (1) at least onestart time using the + or −keys 104 and 105, respectively, when therotary selector 108 is turned to the Set Start Time position; and (2) awatering duration ranging from one (1) to ninety-nine (99) minutes foreach watering station using the + and −keys 104, 105 when the rotaryselector 108 is turned to the Station/Duration position in either the Aor B program.

[0056] Program A also allows the user to assign watering days by turningthe rotary selector 108 to Watering Days in program A and then selectingfrom the display 100 either specific days of the week (i.e., any or alldays in one week) or every second day for watering. Program A repeatscontinuously on a weekly basis.

[0057] Program B allows the user to water at intervals between days 1 to28, or on odd or even days only based upon the date and time of day aspreviously programmed by the user. In this program, the user turns theselector 108 to the Watering Interval position and uses the + and −keys104,105 to select the number of days between watering or to selecteither even or odd days.

[0058] After setting parameters for programs A and B, the timer 50 canbe set for a fully automatic, semi-automatic or manual mode ofoperation. In the fully automatic mode, each program operatessequentially, starting with program A. In the semi-automatic mode, allwatering stations cycle once based upon water durations entered for boththe A and B programs or based upon water durations entered in either theA or B programs. In the manual operation mode, the user can set thewatering durations in any of the programs' six stations for one (1) toninety-nine (99) minutes.

[0059] The timer 50 also includes an inhibit mode that stops automaticwatering for a predefined time (preferably 24 hours). After thisinterruption, the timer returns to its initial watering schedule. Thisfeature allows the user to easily override the programming in the eventof rain.

[0060] A modified arrangement of flow control and relief valves is shownin FIG. 9. In this arrangement, the separate normally open relief valve44, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is eliminated and the normally closed flowcontrol valve 25 is substituted by a normally open solenoid-operatedvalve 25′ which is used as a relief valve. The other central stationflow control valves 27, 29 and 31 remain unchanged as a normally closedsolenoid-operated valves. The main flow control valve 42 is unchanged asa normally closed solenoid-operated valve. With this arrangement, whenthe system is operational for watering the main normally closed flowcontrol valve 42 is energized into the open condition, the normally openrelief valve 25′ is energized into the closed condition and the normallyclosed flow control valves 27, 29 and 31 are energized sequentially intothe open condition. When the system is not operational for watering, themain flow control valve 42 is closed and the flow control valves 27, 29and 31 return to their normally closed condition and the relief valve25′ is open to provide a drainage function.

[0061] Another modified arrangement of flow control and relief valves isshown in FIG. 10. This arrangement is similar to that shown in FIG. 9 inthat the normally open separate relief valve 44 is eliminated. It isdistinguished from the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 in that all of thecentral station flow control valves 25, 27, 29 and 31 are substituted bynormally open valves 25′, 27′, 29′, and 31′ and all of these valves areused as relief valves. The main flow control valve 42 is unchanged andis a normally closed solenoid-operated valve. All other components notshown remain the same. With this arrangement, when the system isoperational for watering the main normally closed flow control valve 42is energized into the open condition, the normally open relief valves25′, 27′, 29′, and 31′ are sequentially de-energized into the opencondition for watering and those not called upon for watering areenergized into the closed condition. When the system is not operationalfor watering, the main flow control valve 42 is closed and the flowcontrol valves 25′, 27′, 29′, and 31′ are de-energized into the opencondition to provide relief valves for drainage. A reverse system canalso be used in which the normally open relief valve 25′ is closed andthe normally open flow control valves 27′, 29′, and 31′ are energizedand de-energized sequentially for watering. When the system is notoperational for watering, all of the normally open central stationvalves are de-energized as is dedicated relief valves 25′.

[0062] Although the invention has been described by making detailedreference to preferred embodiments, such detail is to be understood inan instructive rather than in any restrictive sense, many other variantsbeing possible within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

I claim as my invention:
 1. An above ground sprinkler system for a watersupply comprising: a main supply hose with a main flow control valve,said hose having an inlet operatively connected to the water supply andan outlet; a central station including a water supply inlet operativelyconnected to the main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hoseoutlets, each having an associated flow control valve; control means fordirecting the water supply to the individual hose outlets and includinga timer; valve means including a relief valve for draining the mainsupply hose.
 2. A sprinkler system as defined in claim 1, wherein thevalve means includes a backflow prevention valve for preventing backflowsiphonage into the water supply.
 3. A sprinkler system as defined inclaim 1, wherein: the central station includes a portable containerhousing the flow control valves.
 4. A sprinkler system as defined inclaim 1, wherein: the flow control valves including the main flowcontrol valve are normally closed, solenoid-operated valves; and therelief valve is a normally open solenoid-operated valve.
 5. A sprinklersystem as defined in claim 1, wherein: a 24 volt power supply providespower for the solenoid-operated valves.
 6. A sprinkler system as definedin claim 5, wherein: supplying power to any of the normally closedvalves energizes the normally open relief valve.
 7. A sprinkler systemas defined in claim 1, wherein: the timer is remotely located from thecentral location.
 8. A sprinkler system as defined in claim 2, wherein:the timer is housed in the portable container.
 9. A sprinkler system asdefined in claim 1, wherein: the central station includes a coversimulating a natural object.
 10. An above ground sprinkler system for awater supply comprising: a main solenoid-operated flow control valvehaving an inlet operatively connected to the water supply and an outlet;a main supply hose having an inlet operatively connected to the mainvalve outlet and an outlet; a backflow prevention assembly having aninlet operatively connected to one of said outlets and an outlet; acentral station including a water supply inlet operatively connected tothe main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hose outlets, each havingan associated solenoid-operated flow control valve; control means fordirecting the water supply to the individual hose outlets and includinga timer; a solenoid-operated valve means for venting and draining themain supply hose.
 11. A sprinkler system as defined in claim 10,wherein: all flow control valves are normally closed and the reliefvalve is normally open to relieve pressure and discharge the watersupply line.
 12. A sprinkler system as defined in claim 10, wherein: themain flow control valve is normally closed and at least one flow controlvalve in the central station is normally open to perform the function ofthe relief valve.
 13. A sprinkler system as defined in claim 10,wherein: the main flow control valve is normally closed and all otherflow control valves and the relief valve are normally open.
 14. Asprinkler system as defined in claim 11, wherein: the main flow controlvalve and the relief valve are energized simultaneously while thecentral station flow control valves are energized sequentially fornormal demand watering, as controlled by the timer and allsolenoid-operated valves are de-energized when watering is not required,as controlled by the timer.
 15. A sprinkler system as defined in claim12, wherein: all solenoid-operated valves are energized except one ofthe central station flow control valves, which is sequentiallyde-energized for demand watering, as controlled by the timer and allsolenoid-operated valves are de-energized when watering is not required,as controlled by the timer.
 16. A sprinkler system as defined in claim11, wherein: each solenoid-operated valve includes a plunger; and theplunger positioning of the normally closed and normally open valves isarranged to insure that the main supply hose is pressure relieved andevacuated to prevent back-siphonage in the event of power failure occurduring system operation.